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Like a Tree

Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all…




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1917 is designed to look like a single take. Here are some other films that use similar tricks to great effect

Sam Mendes' 1917, which took Best Picture and Best Director awards at the Golden Globes earlier this week, looks like a standard period piece.…



  • Film/Film News

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Don't expect any socially distanced Zags games in the Kennel next year, and other thoughts from Gonzaga Athletic Director Mike Roth's online Q&A

Gonzaga Athletic Director Mike Roth took to the Zoom online meeting app Wednesday for a lengthy chat with members of the school community, fans and media to answer questions about college sports in the era of COVID-19. Like so many things regarding the coronavirus, there are a lot of hopes for a rapid return to normalcy — all of them couched in the reality that none of us really know how the pandemic is going to affect our lives three months from now, or six months down the line.…




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What will Northern Quest Resort & Casino look like when it reopens Tuesday?

Northern Quest Resort & Casino is set to reopen Tuesday, albeit with strict social-distancing and other safety protocols in place, becoming the second regional casino to reopen after closures caused by the coronavirus. Resort officials expect a crowd due to pent-up interest in the community for getting out of the house (not to mention Cinco de Mayo).…




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For workers, no sign of ‘what normal is going to look like’

By Patricia Cohen and Tiffany Hsu The New York Times Company…



  • News/Nation & World

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Deanna Goguen's favorite spaces in her home are nothing alike

Designology Interiors' Deanna Goguen has three bathrooms in her South Hill-area home, each with its own personality.…




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1,3-diketoamide functional polymers and compositions employing the same

A 1,3-diketoamide functional monomer represented by the following formula (1): wherein R and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and an aralkyl group having from 7 to 20 carbon atoms; and wherein X and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and an aralkyl group having from 7 to 20 carbon atoms. Also disclosed are emulsion, suspension, and solution polymers comprising residues from the 1,3-diketoamide functional monomer of formula 1 and, optionally, one or more additional ethylenically unsaturated monomers. Both latex and self-curing coating compositions described herein exhibit excellent hydrolytic stability, including increased retention of 1,3-diketo functionality.




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Metal complex having β-diketonate, process for production thereof, photoelectric conversion element, and photochemical cell

A metal complex having a β-diketonate represented by the following formula (1): wherein M represents a metal atom of the VIII group, R1, R2 and R3 represent a group or an atom selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an alkoxy group, a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; X−1 represents an ion selected from a halogen, nitric acid, sulfonic acid, fluoroboric acid, fluorophosphoric acid, or perchloric acid ion; L1 or L2 represents a 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline group where these groups may be substituted with a group or an atom selected from an alkyl group, a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom. A photoelectric conversion element and a photochemical cell using the above-mentioned metal complex.




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Paste-like bone cement

The present invention relates to a kit comprising at least two pastes, A and B. Paste A contains at least one monomer for radical polymerization; and at least one barbituric acid derivative as polymerization initiator. Paste B contains at least one monomer for radical polymerization; and at least one heavy metal compound as polymerization accelerator that is selected from heavy metal salts and heavy metal complexes. Paste B contains less than 0.01% by weight, relative to the total weight of paste B, of a peroxide; at least one of the pastes A and B contains-at least one filling agent that is poorly soluble or insoluble in the monomer for radical polymerization in either paste A or B respectively; and at least one of the pastes A and B contains at least one inorganic halide salt.




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Azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition, and method for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene or chloromethane

To provide a method for efficiently separating 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and chloromethane (R40) from a composition comprising HFO-1234yf and R40. An azeotrope-like composition comprising from 58 to 78 mol % of HFO-1234yf and from 22 to 42 mol % of R40, and a method for producing HFO-1234yf, which comprises steps of distilling an initial mixture containing HFO-1234yf in a content exceeding 63 mol % in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40, thereby to separate the initial mixture into a first fraction in which the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 is lower than the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 in the initial mixture, and a second fraction in which the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 is higher than the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 in the initial mixture, and then obtaining HFO-1234yf having a reduced R40 concentration, from the second fraction.




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Ivory-like key material and a method for producing the same

In production of a casein-type artificial key material for keyboard musical instruments, fine grains of an elastomer such as polyurethane elastomer are added to a mixture to be kneaded together so that, in the structure of the product, islanded elastomer is uniformly dispersed in the matrix of casein. Inbred brittleness of casein is much improved by inclusion of the elastomer and strong bond between casein and the elastomer well removes the danger of interface separation.




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Railroad spikes and methods of making the same

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved designs of railroad spikes and improved methods of manufacturing the same. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a railroad spike may comprise the steps of: preparing a metal blank having a substantially circular cross-section; subjecting the metal blank to at least one cold heading process and at least one cold extrusion process to form a railroad spike having (a) a circular head with a fillet at its bottom side that is angled to engage a railroad tie plate or rail base and (b) a non-threaded shank with a substantially square cross-section and a chiseled tip; and coating the railroad spike with an anti-corrosion material.




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Device and method for securing sutures and the like

A bandage and method for securing a tension member comprising a central body and a plurality of tabs disposed about the central body. A tension member may be disposed across or through a slit or aperture of the central body. A body adhesive on the lower surface of the central body may secure the bandage to the patient. The tension member may then be pulled across the upper surface of the central body and a first tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and central body. The tension member may then be pulled back across the first tab and a second tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and first tab. Likewise, the tension member may then be pulled back across the second tab and a third tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and second tab.




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Extracellular plant ferredoxin-like protein and uses thereof

Disclosed are polypeptides, nucleic acids, and related compositions that render plants resistant to bacterial pathogens. Also disclosed are transgenic plants having the nucleic acids and resistant to bacterial pathogens.




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Method for filling sausages with a paste-like substance and filling machine for performing this method

A method for filling sausages with a paste-like substance by means of a filling machine and to a filling machine for performing this method, including a sensor unit capable of determining at least one parameter that varies differently for different paste-like substances as a function of time. Depending on the at least one determined parameter, a controller determines whether a measure to be implemented on one or more wearing parts is necessary, the wearing parts wearing out at different times depending on the different paste-like substances.




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Articulated work holder for a remote controlled vehicle and the like

An articulated work holder for a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle including a base member and first, second and third, support arms having multiple degrees of rotational movement and a vise member carrying vehicle engagement pads for supporting a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle between the vise engagement pads.




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Methods and apparatus having bowstring-like staple delivery to a target tissue

Devices for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue include a sheath and a staple push rod. The sheath has a distal end configured to be pressed against the target tissue. The staple push rod is disposed within at least a portion of the sheath and is slidable relative thereto. The staple push rod includes a pair of stakes. Each stake is dimensioned to abut a surface of a staple to apply pushing forces thereto. The stakes are biased to assume a bow-like shape such that an intermediate portion of a staple extends tautly between the first stake and the second stake when the stakes are extending beyond the distal end of the tubular member. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed.




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Methods and apparatus for fixing sheet-like materials to a target tissue

A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue. The device includes a fastener push rod including a first portion, a second portion and a force limiting mechanism operably coupled between the first portion and the second portion. A fastener is carried by the second portion of the fastener push rod. The force limiting mechanism transmits longitudinal movement of the first portion to the second portion while the forces applied to the fastener by the fastener push rod are less than a predetermined value such that longitudinal movement of the first portion of the fastener push rod causes substantially equivalent longitudinal movement of the second portion. The force limiting mechanism allows relative longitudinal motion between the first and second portions while the forces applied to the fastener are equal to or greater than the predetermined value such that the application of undue forces to the fastener is prevented.




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Level shifter with output spike reduction

A level shifter, or method, producing a final output from a driver supplied by a high-side source driver providing VDD or common, and a low-side source driver providing common or VSS. A delay is introduced to prevent a source driver output at common from beginning to transition toward a supply rail until a delaying source driver at a rail begins transitioning toward common. The level shifter may be single-ended or differential, and the delaying source driver may be coupled to the same final output driver as is the delayed source driver, or may be coupled to a different final output driver. The level shifter may have a second level shifter front end stage, which may have high-side and low-side intermediate source driver outputs coupled by a capacitor, and/or may couple one of the supplies to all intermediate source drivers via a common impedance or current limit Zs.




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Transcription activator-like effector assembly

Described herein are techniques for assembling a polynucleotide encoding a transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN). The techniques ligate and digest necessary modules for a TALEN assembly in one reactor or system. Methods and Kits for generating a TALEN are also described.




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Diamond-like carbon

Embodiments presented herein relate generally to the formation of diamond-like carbon, forms of diamond-like carbon and/or carbon dioxide fixation.




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Railroad spikes and methods of making the same

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved designs of railroad spikes and improved methods of manufacturing the same. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a railroad spike may have the steps of: preparing a metal blank having a substantially circular cross-section; subjecting the metal blank to at least one cold heading process and at least one cold extrusion process to form a railroad spike having (a) a circular head with a fillet at its bottom side that is angled to engage a railroad tie plate or rail base and (b) a non-threaded shank with a substantially square cross-section and a chiseled tip; and coating the railroad spike with an anti-corrosion material.




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Single-dose package for transdermal therapeutic system or sheet-like administration forms

In the case of a package (1) for single-dose films (2) containing active substances, comprising an upper packaging material element (3) and a lower packaging material element (4) which are connected together by a peripheral seal area or respectively sealing seam (5) such that a cavity (6) for holding the film (2) is formed, said cavity being enclosed on all sides, wherein the upper packaging material element (3) and the lower packaging material element (4) each have at least one cut (7, 8) in the region of the seal area or respectively, the sealing seam (5), said cuts being congruent, andat least one cut (7, 8) is crossed by a folding or bending line (10), the folding or bending line (10) is formed in a weakened manner.




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Striker device for a motor vehicle door lock and a motor vehicle equipped with such striker device

A striker device for a motor vehicle door lock having a striker and an element made of a plastic material and equipped with a plate, which is suitable for being placed against a wall of the motor vehicle and is coupled to the striker in fixed relative position; the element has a plurality of tongues, which protrude from the plate in the opposite direction to the striker and are arranged in positions so as to engage, in use, the edges of two apertures in the wall of the motor vehicle, to keep the plate in a fixed reference position during a first fitting step; the tongues are breakable to enable changing the position of the striker device with respect to the wall of the motor vehicle in a possible second fitting step.




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Machining apparatus for grinding, milling, polishing or the like of a dental workpiece

A machining apparatus for grinding, milling, polishing or the like of a dental workpiece. The machining apparatus contains a machining tool, a housing to which the machining tool is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation relative to the housing, and a holding device to which the housing is fixed. The housing is mounted yieldingly movably to the holding device in dependence on forces exerted on the machining tool.




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Arc mitigation assembly and method of assembly to avoid ground strike

A circuit protection device is provided for use with a circuit that includes at least one pair of conductors. The protection device is configured to generate an arc. The protection device includes at least a pair of electrode assemblies electrically coupled to the at least one pair of conductors and a conductor base to support the pair of electrode assemblies. The protection device includes a cover coupled to the conductor base and defining at least one isolation chamber, wherein the electrode assemblies are disposed within the isolation chamber. The protection device includes a containment shield moveably coupled to the cover. The containment shield defines a containment chamber configured to contain charged particles produced by the arc. The containment shield is operative to move relative to the cover in response to a change in pressure produced by the arc within the containment chamber. An isolation assembly is coupled to at least one of the cover and the containment shield and configured to prevent the cover from contacting the containment shield.




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Sheet roll and sheet-like coupling member

A sheet roll comprises two glass films and a coupling portion, wherein end portions of the glass films are coupled together via the coupling portion and the coupled glass films are rolled into a roll shape. The coupling portion is a sheet-like coupling member formed of a resin film and placed on the end portions of the two glass films in a rolling direction so as to span therebetween. The sheet-like coupling member includes wide joint portions joined respectively to the end portions of the two glass films, and a necked portion which is narrower than the wide joint portions and is formed at a middle portion of the sheet-like coupling member in the rolling direction.




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Method for binding a bundle of loose leaves or the like and end leaf applied thereby

Method for binding a bundle of loose leaves or the like in a cover. The method includes the step of providing an end leaf that includes a fixing strip on a side edge, with the fixing strip partly fixed to the end leaf and provided with a strip of glue on a part of the fixing strip which is not fixed to the end leaf. On the side of the fixing strip turned away from the end leaf, said strip of glue being provided with a removable foil. Another step is binding a free edge of the bundle of loose leaves together with the end leaf. Further steps include removing the foil, and providing the bound edge of the bundle of leaves and the end leaf in the back of the cover and fixing thereof in the cover only by the strip of glue.




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Method and apparatus for protecting charging devices from surges and lightning strikes

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage or charge receiving devices. One of these devices is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. The present invention further relates to a system for protecting the charging device from being damaged from an electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike.




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Applicator for compression stockings and the like

An applicator for applying compression stockings and bandages to the limb of a user. The applicator includes a rigid tubular body, an open top with a rim, an open base and a passageway between the base and top. The applicator includes two or more longitudinal slots in the side wall of the tubular body for use in loading. An anterior notch allows an ergonomic application of the stocking and loading. The applicator may be formed in two parts for variation of its internal dimension. It preferably includes a foot arch. The applicator may be adapted for removal of the stocking. The invention extends to a method of donning and removing a compression stocking.




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Upgraded bead breaking unit for tyre changing machines or the like

A bead breaking unit for tire changing machines includes an arm having a bead breaking tool and associated rotatable with a supporting structure between an away position, wherein the tool is spaced out from the supporting structure, and a work position, wherein the tool is near the supporting structure, an actuator apparatus having a mobile element associated sliding with the arm, a dragging device for dragging the arm, associated with the mobile element and suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from an extracted position to a retracted position to bring the arm to the work position, a coupling device between the mobile element and the arm, suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from the retracted to the extracted position to bring the arm from the work position to the away position, and a selection device associated with, and suitable for operating/disconnecting the coupling device.




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Double-cylinder circular machine, particularly for knitting hosiery items or the like, with simplified actuation mechanism

A double-cylinder circular machine, particularly for knitting hosiery items, with simplified actuation mechanism, comprising a supporting structure which comprises a footing, which supports a lower needle cylinder, and a column which extends substantially vertically, protrudes upwardly from the footing and supports an upper needle cylinder, which is arranged above and coaxially with respect to the lower needle cylinder, and further comprising elements for the actuation of the lower needle cylinder and of the upper needle cylinder with a rotary motion about a common axis, the actuation elements comprising an electric motor which is connected kinematically to the lower needle cylinder and to the upper needle cylinder and is accommodated inside the column.




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MACHINE FOR PRODUCING OF BUCKLES, BUTTONS OR THE LIKE

A machine for the manufacture of buckles, buttons or the like which comprises an upper tool and a lower tool. The lower tool has an outer, spring-mounted frame and an inner core piece displaceable vertically with respect to the surrounding frame. The lower tool is adapted to support the assembled button after the opening stroke of the upper tool. A device is provided for lifting the core piece of the lower tool relative to the surrounding frame up to about the height of a transversely directed stream of blast air serving for discharging the product from the lower tool.




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Method for manufacturing pre-assembled, two-part merchandise display hooks and the like

An improved method of forming and assembling two-part merchandise display hooks, including new design features of the hook itself, enable two-part hooks to be manufactured and assembled at extremely low cost. Wire from a continuous length is gripped and bent to form the outer portion of the hook. The wire is then severed and bent in a single operation to form a hook-mounting portion. While the severed wire remains gripped by its shaped outer end, a preoriented and guided base member is applied over the just-formed mounting portion of the wire. A retractable bend-forming member is withdrawn when the base member is applied to the wire, to enable the bent portion to be fully received within the plastic base. Major manufacturing economies are realized.




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Capsule For Preparing A Beverage Such As Coffee And The Like

The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule has a flange which is partially made of paper and partially made of polymer. The polymer is essentially arranged on the flange to cover at least partially the paper part and so to improve the inside tightness of the capsule, in particular, to prevent air enters inside the capsule via folds and creases.




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A Beverage Cup for Coffee or the Like

A cup comprises a container having a flat bottom wall pierceable by a needle, a filter has a flat filter bottom supported on or sufficiently close to the flat bottom to allow the needle to push part of the flat filter bottom upwards to form a beverage collection chamber, a lid having an outer sidewall and a sloped inner sidewall to transform the brewing pressure in the cup into radial outward force acting on the outer sidewall to impart rigidity to the lid during brewing, and a pressure sensitive adhesive O-ring between the horizontal wall of the lid and the container rim. The cup may comprise a pressurization chamber enclosed by the outer sidewall, inner sidewall and a top film and adapted to become pressurized and expanded when hot water is injected into the cup, thereby imparting rigidity to the lid and improving the seal to the container.




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Machine and method for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. In one example, the present invention may be applied (e.g., as a machine and/or method) to a multi-needle machine or method. In another example, the present invention may provide for automatic lower (or bottom) thread cutting. In another example, the present invention may provide for automatic lower (or bottom) thread cutting by utilizing the phase (that is, movement phase) of a return of a looper (or hook) to cut the lower (or bottom) thread.




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Method and apparatus for feeding a laundry article to a mangle or the like

Laundry articles are spread out by input machines in front of a feed conveyor which feeds the spread-out laundry article to a mangle. The respective laundry article is previously fed by a transfer device to a draw-on device onto which the laundry article is drawn. In known input machines, relatively complicated transfer devices are provided. According to the invention, the transfer device is provided with a rectilinear conveying section ascending to the draw-on device. The laundry article is thereby transported to the draw-on device by the transfer device in the plane in which it is transferred to the transfer device. Such a transfer device needs to have only a simple set-up. Since the laundry article remains in the plane in which it is fed to the transfer device, it can be brought by the transfer device into a favorable initial position for being drawn reliably onto the draw-on device.




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Manufacturing apparatus of plate-like tooth profile member

[Problem] To present a manufacturing apparatus of a plate-like tooth profile member capable of forging and forming in one process by using a closed type die, being hardly accompanied by burrs due to plastic changes in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction of the material of the plate-like tooth profile member. [Solving Means] Consisting of an upper die 1 and a lower die 2 of closed type, the lower die 2 is composed of a tooth die 21 for forming a tooth portion in a material W of a plate-like tooth profile member, and movable dies 22, 22 movable relatively in a vertical direction to the tooth die 21 disposed at both sides in the axial direction of the material W of the plate-like tooth profile member of the tooth die 21, a first stroke is executed for confining the circumference at both end portions in the axial direction of the material W of the plate-like tooth profile member by the upper die 1 and the movable dies 22, 22, and a second stroke is executed for forming a tooth portion in the material W of the plate-like tooth profile member by the upper die 1 and the tooth die 21.




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Apparatus including an asymmetrical wedge-like member for controlling deflection in small diameter rolls of an open width stabilizer so as to create a straight line nip with uniform pressure across the nip

An improved apparatus for correcting deflection in small diameter feed and retard rolls of an open width stabilizer so as to create a straight line nip with uniform pressure across the nip. The improved apparatus provides apparatus for adjusting deflection of the rolls to thereby maintain a desired size to a passageway between them so as to optimize compaction of a fabric web material. A wedge-like member is disposed between, and in moving relationship to, feed and retard roller bearings. The wedge-like member is asymmetrical, has feed and retard sides that engage the feed and retard roller bearings, respectively, and exerts reaction forces against each of the respective bearings. Improvement resides in the reaction forces causing the rolls the rolls to not deflect downwardly.




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MULTIPLE LAYER COATING AND COATING METHOD FOR DENTAL DEVICES AND THE LIKE

A multi-layer coating of alternating titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbo nitride (TiCN) layers is applied to at least part of a dental device for use in attaching crowns, overdentures, and the like in a patient's jaw, where the outermost layer is TiCN with a predetermined percentage of carbon to produce a pink color. The pink outermost layer is of sufficient thickness to conceal the color of the underlying layers, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use. At the same time, the outermost TiCN layer is of a color consistent with the gingival anatomy, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use.




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Device on a spinning room preparation machine, for example a fibre flock feeder, carding machine, cleaner or the like, for supplying and/or discharging fibre material

In a device on a spinning room preparation machine, for example a fiber flock feeder, carding machine, cleaner or the like, for supplying and/or discharging fiber material, a tray-like guide element having a guide surface co-operates with at least one conveyor roll located opposite, the fiber material being guided towards and along the guide surface. In order to provide a simple way of supplying and/or discharging fiber material without undesirable adhesion of fibers, the guide element located opposite the at least one conveyor roll is arranged to be set in vibration by at least one actuator.




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HANDS-FREE STRIKER FOR LIGHTING A TORCH

A hands-free striker assembly for use with a torch cart for igniting a torch attached to the torch cart. The hands-free striker has a mounting body mounted to the torch cart having a striker tip for lighting the torch. The hands-free striker also has a friction pad for lighting the torch by passing the torch over the friction pad and into contact with the striker tip.




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Light Guide Assembly for an LCD or the Like

An apparatus and method for assembling a display device to which is coupled a light guide that has smooth surfaces for light-transmission and at least one surface that is for light scattering and internal reflection. The method includes depositing a reflective coating on that surface, and installing the display device with coupled light guide in an interior of a meter housing or casing. A portion of the casing interior is filled with a component, such as epoxy, for sealing the case interior to protect the display device and light guide against water and dust penetration. All surfaces of the light guide are protected from direct contact with the epoxy. This approach greatly simplifies the assembly process and yields a robust display that also prevents light leakage from the light guide.




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SPHERE-LIKE MOBILE INTERACTIVE USER INTERFACE

A method and apparatus for generating a sphere-like mobile user interface is described including receiving search terms and search results, generating a sphere and blobs of the sphere and expanding a touched or swiped blob of the sphere.




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Hinge for transport cases, trunks, suitcases and the like

A hinge for transport cases, trunks, suitcases and the like, comprising two elements which are mutually articulated about a common axis and are both able to rotate with respect to the common axis. Each element is delimited by two parallel walls and has a total width that is equal to the width of the channel delimited between the stiffening ribs of the transport case, suitcase or trunk on which it will be installed. Each element is associable with the stiffening ribs of the respective transport case, once it is inserted between the ribs, without requiring any mechanical machining of the surfaces of the case.




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SHEET-LIKE ARTICLE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME

A sheet material includes a fibrous substrate made of microfibers and a hydrophilic-group-containing resin applied to the fibrous substrate. The hydrophilic-group-containing resin has a microphase-separated structure that satisfies Condition I: In a phase image obtained by observing an area of 1 μm2 in a cross-section of the hydrophilic-group-containing resin applied to the fibrous substrate by phase imaging using an atomic force microscope (AFM), a standard deviation of a mode of brightness distribution of areas of 0.2 μm2 in the area of 1 μm2 is from 0 to 10. Provided are a sheet material that is produced through an eco-conscious production process and yet has such uniformity that is comparable to those of man-made leathers produced using organic-solvent-based polyurethanes, an elegant surface appearance, and a good touch, and a method for producing such a sheet material.




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Chess-Like Board Game

A chess-like board game with a commercial name of Starship Chess provides a one-on-one tactical space combat game, like the game of chess between two versatile playing pieces. The game is played by two players and each player has a fully maneuverable starship, complete with manageable resources, engines, weapons, and shields. Each player must navigate his starship in order to gain an advantage over the player's opponent with respect to direction and position. A starship can engage, withdraw, replenish, and reposition to plan out attacks. Players must learn to think ahead, predict opposing player's tactics, and outwit the opponent to win.




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Like a Petri Dish

Tens of Thousands of California Inmates at Risk of COVID-19 Infection Jose Amendariz was on one of his frequent trips to the nurse’s station in Orange County’s largest jail when deputies hauled in a man in a mask. Of all the inmates inside the jail, the 29-year-old Armendariz needs the most care: insulin shots for Type I diabetes, pills for hypertension, asthma inhaler puffs for his ravaged respiratory system.…




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What if They Held a Pandemic (And A Rent Strike Broke Out Instead?)

Prepare for a May Day like no other. When Bay Area counties imposed stay-at-home orders to limit the COVID-19 epidemic, Richmond resident Blanca Retano lost her job as a parent educator at an elementary school. Her husband, a chef, had his hours cut to nine a week.…